Pet Travel Safety Guide

A lot goes in to keeping your pet safe and happy while traveling!

If you’re traveling this holiday season, you might want to bring your furry best friend with you. While taking your pet on a road trip might be lots of fun, it can also be stressful for both you and them! Here are some steps you can take to be prepared for travel with your pet.

Double Check all Their Identification

When you’re in a strange place seeing a million new things, your pet might behave differently than usual. On top of that, you might behave differently too! It’s easier to make mistakes when you’re off your usual routine. If your pet gets lost during your trip, it will be a lot harder to find them in an unfamiliar neighborhood. Make sure your pet’s microchip is up to date with your contact information, and that their collar tag has your cellphone number. Vet clinics and shelters are often closed on holidays, so it’s important that anyone who finds your lost pet can contact you without scanning the microchip.

Use a Secure Harness and Leash, Or a Kennel

Many pets get stressed out (or overexcited!) when they are in new environments. Dogs who have always been very polite on walks might start pulling at their leash, or try to run and hide. If you’ve been using a collar that is the wrong size, has a flimsy clip, or is showing wear-and-tear, it might be time to replace it with a secure, well fitting harness. This will make it harder for your dog to slip off the leash or break loose from you while you’re on your trip. Sometimes, you might not want your pet to be attached to you for the whole trip. In these cases, you should make sure to have a carrier or kennel for them to stay in while you’re busy."

Get Them Up To Date at the Vet

Depending on where you’re traveling (even if it’s just to another state!) you may have to prove your pet is up to date on any vaccines and in good health. Before your trip, book an appointment with your vet to make sure they have all their shots and get any paperwork you need–like proof of their most recent rabies vaccination, or a certificate of health. While you’re there, let your vet know that you will be traveling. If you’re concerned about your pet being anxious during the trip, ask what methods and medications are safe to use for keeping your pet calm during travel.

If You're Driving: Keep Them Safe in the Back Seat

There are several options for keeping your pet safe in the car. The best choice is keeping them in a kennel or carrier for the whole drive. Secure the kennel so it can’t move or jolt, even if you stop short. Make sure there is plenty of ventilation, and they are in a part of the car that won’t heat up while you’re driving. If you’re not bringing a kennel, use a dog car seat or a car divider designed to keep your dog in one place. You’ve heard it a million times, but NEVER leave your pet in the car alone. If you’ll need to take breaks or stop somewhere that your pet can’t enter with you, bring someone along for the trip who can wait in the car with them.

If You're Flying: Check Airline Restrictions

Every company has different guidelines on traveling with pets on planes. Before you book your flight, make sure you are able to comply with all their rules and recommendations so that things can go as smoothly as possible on the day of your flight. You may need a special airline-approved carrier, special documentation about your pet’s health, or additional identification to make sure your pet gets to your destination safely. If there is a delay or any other issues with your flight, you’ll need to let an employee know that you are flying with a pet, so they can make sure to make accommodations for your pet’s safety and comfort.

Pack Everything They Might Need

Make sure to have all their important documents, any medication, and other necessary supplies on hand. Pack some things like blankets, toys, or their regular food bowls so that they have something familiar to keep them calm on the trip. Bring enough food for at least a couple days, even if you plan on buying their food once you reach your destination. Have water for them to drink while you’re on the move, and plan on giving them only bottled or filtered water while on your trip–different tap water than they’re used to can cause tummy aches, especially if they are already stressed out. Try to keep some parts of their routine the same as usual, since this will help them cope with being stressed and tired from traveling. It might be helpful to have a separate bag just for pet supplies, so you can easily locate everything and double check you have it ready before you leave.

De-Stress Yourself First

Traveling with a pet can be tough, and requires a lot of prep to keep everyone safe and happy during the trip. Some pets (such as cats, seniors, or anxious animals) just prefer the comfort of home, no matter what you do. If this sounds like too much stress for you, it might be a better idea to hire a Professional Pet Sitter to take care of your furry friend while you are away. We offer both daily in-home vacation care visits and overnight house sitting to keep your pet company while you’re out of town!